Staring a home business can be a complicated task, and for many people, can seem overwhelming. Folloring this simple checklist will cover the most important points that you need to consider, and will help you to remain focused as you try to get started:

Step 1: Create a Business Plan
Even though you are the only one who will ever read it, it is important to plan out your business and the important milestones that you want to accomplish. Think of this like the baby book for your business.

Step 2: Establish your Business Entity
You will need to decide how you want to run your business. You can run this as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation.

Step 3: Get your License or Reseller Certificate
Make sure that you are in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and get a business license or reseller certificate if required.

Step 4: Check with Your Local Zoning Commission
You do not want to have your business shut down prematurely because of zoning laws. Make sure that you can legally run your business from your home before you put in too much time and effort.

Step 5: Purchase Insurance
Determine what kind of insurance you need, and purchase it before you actually open up your new home based business.

Step 6: Organize your Office
A well organized office space will not only make your life easier, but it also leads to a successful home business. Make sure that your office is in a place where you will be able to focus with minimal distraction.

Step 7: Purchase Equipment
Make sure that you purchase any required equipment ahead of time. You will avoid embarrassing moments if your customer, for example, wants to fax an order and you don’t have proper equipment ready.

Step 8: Set up Your Web Site
You will need to purchase a domain and set up your site so that it is ready to go live when you open for business. By planning carefully, you will be able to include your domain name on your business’s promotional materials.

Step 9: Make your Schedule
Even if you don’t want to work 9 to 5, you will need a schedule that follows somewhat normal business hours so that your customers can reach you.

Step 10: Organize Inventory and get Shipping Supplies ready
If you plan on stocking merchandise, make sure it’s well organized to facilitate quick turnaround time. If you are a smoker, make certain your inventory is in a smoke free area. You should not have to scour your home for a padded envelope either. Gether all of the supplies you will need for mailing ahead of time.

Step 11: Open your Doors
The only thing left, now that you are completely prepared, is to open up your doors for business! Good luck!